I took today off of work and decided to just have a day to enjoy the spring weather and recharge myself. I was planning on meeting my Dad this afternoon for lunch and to hang out with him for a bit. Come to find out, my brother was also going to be able to meet us. We ended up having the best afternoon!!
It reminded me off all of our Thursdays nights growing up. Thursdays used to be the night my Dad came to pick us up and we would bum around town for a few hours and grab dinner and just catch up. Some nights we'd go to the park and play, other nights we'd go to the library and then other times we'd go shop for school supplies or clothes or whatever we were in need of at the time.
Today we grabbed lunch, all shopped for new tennis shoes at Kohls (yes...New Reebok Retones!!), stopped into Verizon for a new phone for my Bro (I was too chicken to upgrade my LG EnV2, which I'm still in love with), picked up a new spring skirt for me at Old Navy and browsed Best Buy. It brought back many good memories of all the time we got to spend together as my Bro and I were growing up and it made me cherish the great relationship I still have with both my Dad and Ryan. It's not all that often anymore that our schedules all work out to enjoy time together, but I'm so glad that I had the opportunity today.
I may have to take days off and do this more often....
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Afternoon surprise
Guess who gets to ditch work early tomorrow and go to the afternoon Cardinals game?!?
This girl does! Woo hoo!!
My boss emailed me today and told me that an opportunity presented itself and if I was available, he would like for me to attend the baseball game with him and our bankers. I was excited and after re-arranging a few things, I am all set for the game!
The bonus -- the weather is supposed to be a perfect spring day as well!!
The wildcard -- whether or not the Cards can pull off a win against the Pirates! LET'S GO CARDS!!
This girl does! Woo hoo!!
My boss emailed me today and told me that an opportunity presented itself and if I was available, he would like for me to attend the baseball game with him and our bankers. I was excited and after re-arranging a few things, I am all set for the game!
The bonus -- the weather is supposed to be a perfect spring day as well!!
The wildcard -- whether or not the Cards can pull off a win against the Pirates! LET'S GO CARDS!!
Monday, April 04, 2011
How 'bout them apples?!?
The company worked for during college throws together an NCAA March Madness basketball pool every year and while I know next to nothing about college basketball, I still enter a bracket or two, just for the fun of it.
Most years, I end up middle of the pack and just donate my $3.00.
This year, I will either finish tied for 2nd if UConn beats Butler or 4th if Butler wins. Either way, I'm thrilled! What's even funnier is that I offered one of my current co-workers a shot at entering a bracket into this pool as well and he's in the money as well.
I'm not sure if we'll be invited back into this pool next year, but you can bet, I'll be watching the game tonight!!
Most years, I end up middle of the pack and just donate my $3.00.
This year, I will either finish tied for 2nd if UConn beats Butler or 4th if Butler wins. Either way, I'm thrilled! What's even funnier is that I offered one of my current co-workers a shot at entering a bracket into this pool as well and he's in the money as well.
I'm not sure if we'll be invited back into this pool next year, but you can bet, I'll be watching the game tonight!!
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Experimental Baking
I decided to try making a somewhat healthy egg-less chocolate cake today. Not sure how its going to taste but I figured it might be a nice complement to the dinner I'm hoping to whip up before America's Next Great Restaurant and the finale episode of Chopped All Stars.
On a semi-related note, I totally want this game.
Sounds like a great idea to me!
On a semi-related note, I totally want this game.
USAopoly Scrabble Cooking Edition:
The Cooking Edition of Scrabble includes classic Scrabble fun with a cooking twist allowing players to earn bonus points for words related to everyone's favorite past time. Recipe cards are the perfect mix as players double and triple their scores with directives for all new custom game play. Become the master chef as you spell your way to victory with tasty abbreviations and names of your favorite celebrity chefs. Can you spell D-E-L-I-S-H?
I love playing Scrabble and cooking is one of my favorite hobbies, so why not combine the two?Sounds like a great idea to me!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Opening Day 2011
Today is an unofficial holiday throughout the city - Opening day of Baseball Season and all of Cardinal Nation is celebrating. Some played hooky to attend the game or pep rally or in our case, our office threw a mini-BBQ, wore our Cardinal red and turned the game on this afternoon to support the team.
This season is sure to be an exciting, yet uncertain one -- Lance Berkman is playing right field for the first time in a few years, Albert Pujols is playing with the possibility of not being a Cardinal after the end of the season and Adam Wainwright is out with a season ending elbow injury.
As of right now the Cards are tied with the Padres, 3-3 in the top of the 11th.
I'm rooting for my Redbirds.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Music feeds the soul
Yesterday my Bro threw his Belated Birthday Shindig so I headed out to visit him and my Dad. While I was there, the subject of music came up. As you know, music is a big part of my life. My Bro and my Dad are also big fans of music. Ryan will listen to just about anything and will serenade you with Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Journey and then Eminem; whereas my Dad is a fan of mostly Classic Rock, but occasionally he'll surprise us and mention that he likes a song by Train or Uncle Kracker or Kid Rock.
As for me, well, I'm across the board as well. Depending on my mood, I may listen to Classic Rock, Top 40, Modern Rock, Rap, Pop or Country. Right now, I'm in the Country phase.
As our conversation continued, I guess I got a bit excited and mentioned how I heard a Garth Brooks song when I went to lunch on Friday and the fact that I had no Garth Brooks on my Ipod and I really needed to get some on there ASAP! Somehow my lack of Garth Brooks sounded like I had a major disaster on my hands and in true sibling fashion, my Bro ran with and had us laughing like crazy.
I guess I'm a bit intense about my musical tastes. But, you can bet the next time I buy any music, I'm getting some Garth Brooks.
As for me, well, I'm across the board as well. Depending on my mood, I may listen to Classic Rock, Top 40, Modern Rock, Rap, Pop or Country. Right now, I'm in the Country phase.
As our conversation continued, I guess I got a bit excited and mentioned how I heard a Garth Brooks song when I went to lunch on Friday and the fact that I had no Garth Brooks on my Ipod and I really needed to get some on there ASAP! Somehow my lack of Garth Brooks sounded like I had a major disaster on my hands and in true sibling fashion, my Bro ran with and had us laughing like crazy.
I guess I'm a bit intense about my musical tastes. But, you can bet the next time I buy any music, I'm getting some Garth Brooks.
Monday, March 21, 2011
3 Ingredients, Endless Possibilities
We've started a new Sunday tradition here.
The work week has been extremely stressful for both Broccoli and myself lately so for the past few weeks we've settled into a low-key Sunday night routine which involves watching two of our new favorite shows on TV --
This week we decided to throw a little competition together to spice up the evening. It was Battle Dos of our version of Chopped. Our basket included chicken breasts, balsamic vinegar and jalapeno peppers and we had 30 minutes to create an entree to impress the other person with. Nothing like a friendly competition, right? No, not really -- we take cooking competitions very seriously here but we had so much fun with it!!
I pulled some inspiration from my Rachael Ray cookbook and Broccoli came up with something on the fly but both were equally delicious and fairly healthy as well.
Here are the results from our little battle --
Can you guess who's dish is who's???
One difference in our Chopped battle -- neither of us would chop the other dish. We both were so pleased with the outcome that we didn't mind sharing the title of Chopped Champion. And I think it's safe to say, bring on the next basket!!
The work week has been extremely stressful for both Broccoli and myself lately so for the past few weeks we've settled into a low-key Sunday night routine which involves watching two of our new favorite shows on TV --
This week we decided to throw a little competition together to spice up the evening. It was Battle Dos of our version of Chopped. Our basket included chicken breasts, balsamic vinegar and jalapeno peppers and we had 30 minutes to create an entree to impress the other person with. Nothing like a friendly competition, right? No, not really -- we take cooking competitions very seriously here but we had so much fun with it!!
I pulled some inspiration from my Rachael Ray cookbook and Broccoli came up with something on the fly but both were equally delicious and fairly healthy as well.
Here are the results from our little battle --
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| Balsamic-orange glazed chicken and veggies over rice |
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| Balsamic and cracker crusted chicken with homemade cheesy mashed potatoes |
Can you guess who's dish is who's???
One difference in our Chopped battle -- neither of us would chop the other dish. We both were so pleased with the outcome that we didn't mind sharing the title of Chopped Champion. And I think it's safe to say, bring on the next basket!!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A green baby is what I wanted....
...and a green brother is what I got!
I still can't believe that 24 years ago today, I was throwing a fit and telling Mom and Dad to leave you at the hospital if I was getting a little brother because I only wanted a little sister or a green baby and lo and behold, you came into this world a green baby. Now 24 years later, I'm glad I didn't let Mom and Dad leave you at the hospital. You're the best brother any sister could ever ask for and a great friend!
Happy Birthday Ryan!!!
May you have the best birthday yet!!!
Enjoy your day to the fullest!!
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Shrove Tuesday
As a kid, we always had pancakes for dinner on Shrove Tuesday. I never knew why, but I've kept that tradition as I entered adulthood. Finally this year as I was contemplating what type of pancakes I wanted to make, I decided to look up why the heck I've continued to do this year after year.
According to Wikipedia,
"In the United Kingdom and many other countries, the day is often known as Pancake Day. Making and eating such foods was considered a last feast with ingredients such as sugar, fat and eggs, whose consumption was traditionally restricted during the ritual fasting associated with Lent."
My family was English born and bred! Now it makes plenty of sense!! I did make my pancakes again tonight, but this time with a healthy twist -- oatmeal and vanilla protein powder. Pretty good if I do say so and my Grandma would be proud I've had my pancakes!
According to Wikipedia,
"In the United Kingdom and many other countries, the day is often known as Pancake Day. Making and eating such foods was considered a last feast with ingredients such as sugar, fat and eggs, whose consumption was traditionally restricted during the ritual fasting associated with Lent."
My family was English born and bred! Now it makes plenty of sense!! I did make my pancakes again tonight, but this time with a healthy twist -- oatmeal and vanilla protein powder. Pretty good if I do say so and my Grandma would be proud I've had my pancakes!
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Tax Season
This is the time of year when I have friends come out of the woodwork. People I barely keep up with through the rest of the year, find me and usually have all sorts of fun tax questions.
No, I'm not a CPA, I'm a few hours short of sitting for the exam and no, right now, I'm not planning on going back to school and getting those hours. But, like I tell most of them -- yes, I understand and can complete simple tax returns; yes, I'm up on many of the tax law changes (thanks to the info provided by our Company's auditors) and yes, because I actually do process payroll, I do have a decent knowledge of withholdings and pre and post-tax benefits.
Perhaps the funniest lines ever said to me came from one of our department heads this afternoon. Now mind you, I have worked with this Director nearly every single day for 5+ years and today when he called me down to his office, he told me that some of my co-workers have mentioned that I know about taxes and that he may need my help. Then, in all seriousness he states, "I had no idea you were an Accountant."
I didn't know what to say so I just smiled and nodded. But, I'm thinking, "dude, I've been with the company 5 years and I wear a badge with both my name and title on it. A badge that your department created for me because it's a requirement for one of our certifications. Not only that, we communicate regularly via email, in person and by phone. I didn't just make up that cute little signature that is attached to all of my emails just for the fun of it."
If that were the case, I would have given me a title like Office Party Planner because it sounds so much more exciting and fun.
No, I'm not a CPA, I'm a few hours short of sitting for the exam and no, right now, I'm not planning on going back to school and getting those hours. But, like I tell most of them -- yes, I understand and can complete simple tax returns; yes, I'm up on many of the tax law changes (thanks to the info provided by our Company's auditors) and yes, because I actually do process payroll, I do have a decent knowledge of withholdings and pre and post-tax benefits.
Perhaps the funniest lines ever said to me came from one of our department heads this afternoon. Now mind you, I have worked with this Director nearly every single day for 5+ years and today when he called me down to his office, he told me that some of my co-workers have mentioned that I know about taxes and that he may need my help. Then, in all seriousness he states, "I had no idea you were an Accountant."
I didn't know what to say so I just smiled and nodded. But, I'm thinking, "dude, I've been with the company 5 years and I wear a badge with both my name and title on it. A badge that your department created for me because it's a requirement for one of our certifications. Not only that, we communicate regularly via email, in person and by phone. I didn't just make up that cute little signature that is attached to all of my emails just for the fun of it."
If that were the case, I would have given me a title like Office Party Planner because it sounds so much more exciting and fun.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Pasta maker = AWESOME!!!
Friday night was date night here and while most women would prefer to be taken out and wined and dined, I asked if we could stay in and test out my pasta maker. Being the good sport that he is and willing to put up with most of my silly ideas, Broccoli agreed and even helped me make the dough, run it through the pasta maker and cook a yummy and homemade fettuccine and red sauce dunner. We laughed and joked and pretended that we actually knew what we were doing and just had a blast! I forgot to take pictures, but it was hilarious trying to find spots to put all of this rolled and cut pasta in my teeny tiny kitchen.
Of course, I made enough fettuccine to feed an army, but it was delicious and I'm so glad I decided to use my birthday money for this. It is definitely money well spent! I am even making good on my promise to my co-workers and I'm bringing in a batch for them to try tomorrow! Who knows, I may become the Mario Batali or Giada De Laurentiis of the office. Think they'd let me transfer from Accountant to Office Chef??
Of course, I made enough fettuccine to feed an army, but it was delicious and I'm so glad I decided to use my birthday money for this. It is definitely money well spent! I am even making good on my promise to my co-workers and I'm bringing in a batch for them to try tomorrow! Who knows, I may become the Mario Batali or Giada De Laurentiis of the office. Think they'd let me transfer from Accountant to Office Chef??
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A happy girl
It's been a LONG week and it's only Wednesday but nothing makes a week seem more bearable than when you get a gift. The item today that totally made my day -- my new Kitchenaid Stand Mixer Pasta Roller and Cutter.
Yeah baby!!
It was delivered to work this afternoon and I was so giddy to finally have it that it made me dance around the office. (Sometimes it's the little things!)
So, guess what I'm doing this weekend?!?!
Oh and somehow in all of the excitement, I promised an handful of my co-workers homemade pasta next week so I better get good at pasta making really fast!
It was delivered to work this afternoon and I was so giddy to finally have it that it made me dance around the office. (Sometimes it's the little things!)
So, guess what I'm doing this weekend?!?!
Oh and somehow in all of the excitement, I promised an handful of my co-workers homemade pasta next week so I better get good at pasta making really fast!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
It's that time!
Daytona 500 2011 -- are you ready?
I will be sitting here, in anticipation that my boy, McMurray will pull out all of the stops and win the race for a second year in a row. Yes, I know I'm asking a lot, but I believe in him.
With new rules and a few good duels under their belts, this NASCAR season should be an exciting one!
Welcome to the team
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| Photo by Mark Buckner/NHLI via Getty Images |
The final score between the Ducks and the Blues looked more like one you would see in baseball, not hockey, but it sure was an exciting game to watch!!! And, for all those that though the Blues would be taking a hit by trading Erik Johnson and Jay McClement, you were sadly mistaken.
Welcome to the Blues Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk!!
I don't think I've jumped off the couch and yelled so much during a game all season -- definitely renewed my love of hockey!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Could it be true?
Not that I believe in this sort of thing, but my daily horoscope was emailed to me this morning and for once, I think it may hit the nail on the head. Despite all that has happened in the last 20 hours, I feel like I know what I'm doing for once.
You can't help but show off your independent streak today, and it certainly casts you in a positive light. It may also tick off your mate or family, but they have come to embrace your peculiarities.
Stay tuned....
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Channeling Paula Deen
Ah, what a week!! Last Saturday at this time the girls were strutting off of the Party Bus and we were headed for one more surprise for the night.
From the very beginning, Coco couldn't believe that a Party Bus was pulling down her street when we picked her up for her afternoon and night of fun and she was completely surprised by all of our birthday antics. As you can tell, I was also relieved and excited when we picked her up!
Overall, such a great time and so many awesome memories for all of us!
Sunday was a little rough though and while the Super Bowl party was fun, I wouldn't have minded staying home and watching the game in my jammies on the couch. And after the week I experienced at work, those few hours of down time were greatly needed.
In spite of all of the craziness, I did throw an office party on Thursday to celebrate Coco's 50th birthday. I couldn't let the actual day go uncelebrated and since we're co-workers as well as really good friends, I felt it necessary to decorate her desk and bring in snacks as well as make a homemade gooey butter cake (her favorite!). I didn't make just any gooey butter cake though, I pulled out all of the stops and went with the Queen of Butter's recipe.
It got rave reviews and was gone in a heartbeat -- the two things I love to see when cooking and baking for others. It was also decided that there are birthdays every day for the rest of the year and I'm supposed to provide the desserts for these celebrations....if I only had the hours in the day and endless capital for this venture!
We joke that I should open a snack cart and run that from my desk too, especially since I wear so many hats there as it is. Somehow, I'm thinking my bosses might not like that idea....just a hunch though.
From the very beginning, Coco couldn't believe that a Party Bus was pulling down her street when we picked her up for her afternoon and night of fun and she was completely surprised by all of our birthday antics. As you can tell, I was also relieved and excited when we picked her up!
Overall, such a great time and so many awesome memories for all of us!
Sunday was a little rough though and while the Super Bowl party was fun, I wouldn't have minded staying home and watching the game in my jammies on the couch. And after the week I experienced at work, those few hours of down time were greatly needed.
In spite of all of the craziness, I did throw an office party on Thursday to celebrate Coco's 50th birthday. I couldn't let the actual day go uncelebrated and since we're co-workers as well as really good friends, I felt it necessary to decorate her desk and bring in snacks as well as make a homemade gooey butter cake (her favorite!). I didn't make just any gooey butter cake though, I pulled out all of the stops and went with the Queen of Butter's recipe.
 |
| Delish!!! |
We joke that I should open a snack cart and run that from my desk too, especially since I wear so many hats there as it is. Somehow, I'm thinking my bosses might not like that idea....just a hunch though.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Super Bowl XLV
Ben Roethlisberger totally resembles one of my co-workers.
With that being said, my money is on the Packers for the Super Bowl. (Sorry Joel!!)
Saturday, February 05, 2011
My Kinda Party
If you're singing Jason Aldean, we're on the same wavelength. (Scary!)
In any case, I'm getting ready for another BIG party weekend. We're surprising Ms. Coco today since her 50th birthday is Thursday. She thinks Rosemary and I are taking her out for a low-key girls' dinner. Little does she know, we've ordered a party bus and 15 of her girlfriends are picking her up for an afternoon on the town.
To top it off, the bus is dropping off us off tonight and one of her favorite places where the rest of her friends are surprising her with a massive birthday party. It's been soooo hard keeping this a secret -- almost as hard as keeping the Bon Jovi trip a secret last year! I can not wait to see her face, when we show up to pick her up in the bus!!
Tomorrow is Super Bowl and similar to years past, I've been invited to my boss' house. He has a huge party with the perfect layout to watch the game and mingle with a bunch of fun people. We always have such a great time and I expect this year to be no different. And the bonus to the day would be if one of my squares paid off!! Ha!
So...
"Lets get this thing started. It’s my kind of party."
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
A birthday summary
Birthdays don't get much better than this one! I had a great time celebrating with everyone and I'm so glad I agreed to all of the plans.
Here are a few pics from Friday night, aka Birthday Extravaganza Day 2:
 |
| Posing in the rock garden -- I was dared to do this by the girls! I think they just wanted me to show of my sexy shoes!! |
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| One of my presents -- LUSH: "Liquored Up Sister Hood" I also got the new Paula Deen cookbook, cute measuring spoons, a yummy candle, lottery tickets & a Victoria Secret swimsuit. |
 |
| Success! I caught a flying shrimp!! |
 | ||
| I owned this shot! And I impressed the tables sitting around us too!! |
And, I topped off my weekend with a date night on Sunday night. Since the rest of the weekend was pretty busy, Broccoli and I decided on a low-key night in. I think it's exactly what we needed and we were able to catch up with some must-see tv.
I wasn't sure what to expect turning 28, but I must say, it's been fairly good so far...let's keep it coming!
Today's news headlines...
- Blizzard Warning for St. Louis Metro Area
- MODOT: I-70 Closed from Wentzville to Kansas City
- Schnuck's Markets Closing for Weather
- Tonight's Blues Game Canceled Due to Weather
- Missouri Road Conditions Deteriorate
- Hundreds of Flights Canceled
- May Not See Clear Pavement for Days
- Illinois National Guard Mobilized to Help Stranded Drivers
I made it to and from work today safe and sound with the help of SS, who was awesome enough to chauffeur me through this mess. Thanks SS for being calm and cool while I was a nervous wreck in dealing with the weather!! As I've told him numerous times and probably everyone else I've come into contact with lately, I hate winter! I'll handle the summer humidity, no problem, but snow and ice have to go.
As for work tomorrow, well, I'm aiming to get there at some point. We'll just have to see....definitely don't want to have to burn a day off for something like being snowed in, but I'm sure I can keep myself occupied here if necessary.
- MODOT: I-70 Closed from Wentzville to Kansas City
- Schnuck's Markets Closing for Weather
- Tonight's Blues Game Canceled Due to Weather
- Missouri Road Conditions Deteriorate
- Hundreds of Flights Canceled
- May Not See Clear Pavement for Days
- Illinois National Guard Mobilized to Help Stranded Drivers
I made it to and from work today safe and sound with the help of SS, who was awesome enough to chauffeur me through this mess. Thanks SS for being calm and cool while I was a nervous wreck in dealing with the weather!! As I've told him numerous times and probably everyone else I've come into contact with lately, I hate winter! I'll handle the summer humidity, no problem, but snow and ice have to go.
As for work tomorrow, well, I'm aiming to get there at some point. We'll just have to see....definitely don't want to have to burn a day off for something like being snowed in, but I'm sure I can keep myself occupied here if necessary.
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